1946 was a pivotal year, marked by the aftermath of World War II and the nascent stirrings of the Cold War. Reconstruction, decolonization, and technological advancements defined the era, shaping the landscape of the world for decades to come.
Political Events
January 1: Hirohito renounces his divinity:** In a broadcast to the Japanese people, Emperor Hirohito formally renounced the concept of his divine status, a significant step in the postwar transformation of Japan under Allied occupation.
January 10: The first meeting of the United Nations General Assembly is held in London. This marked the official operational beginning of the UN, tasked with maintaining international peace and security.
February 1: Trygve Lie of Norway is elected as the first Secretary-General of the United Nations.
March 5: Winston Churchill delivers his "Iron Curtain" speech in Fulton, Missouri, United States. This speech is widely considered to mark the beginning of the Cold War, highlighting the growing ideological divide between the Western Allies and the Soviet Union.
April 18: The League of Nations formally dissolves, transferring its assets and functions to the United Nations.
October 1: The Nuremberg Trials conclude with verdicts for the surviving Nazi leaders.
November 5: The 1946 United States midterm elections result in significant Republican gains in both the House and Senate, signaling a shift in the political landscape.
December 11: The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is established.
Scientific and Technological Events
January 26: The first successful test of an electronic digital computer, the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), is conducted at the University of Pennsylvania. This marked a pivotal moment in the development of modern computing.
July 1: The United States conducts Operation Crossroads, a series of nuclear weapon tests at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. These tests examined the effects of nuclear weapons on naval vessels.
December 23: Bell Labs demonstrates the transistor, a revolutionary invention that would transform the electronics industry.
Cultural Events
September 19: The first Cannes Film Festival is held, establishing itself as a major international event in the film industry.
Popular trends: Post-war fashion sees a return to more feminine styles with longer skirts and fitted waists, a contrast to the utilitarian styles of the war years. Jazz and swing music remain popular, alongside the burgeoning growth of rhythm and blues.
Full Employment Act: The United States Congress passes the Employment Act of 1946, committing the federal government to promoting maximum employment, production, and purchasing power.
Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 (GI Bill): Continues to have a significant impact, providing educational and housing benefits to returning veterans, contributing to a surge in college enrollment and suburban development.
Housing shortage: A severe housing shortage plagues the United States as returning veterans seek accommodation. This led to increased demand for housing and the rapid growth of suburbs.
Labor unrest: The United States experiences significant labor unrest as workers seek higher wages to compensate for wartime wage freezes and rising inflation. Major strikes occur in industries such as auto manufacturing and steel.
Establishment of the CDC: The Communicable Disease Center (CDC), now known as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is established in Atlanta, Georgia, initially focusing on preventing the spread of malaria.